By Mohamad Taufiq Morshidi

So you’ve just got your Foundation results. You’ve been told the clock starts ticking if you want to go to decide what’s next – and that’s definitely true in many ways. But at this point, it’s not only about which degree you choose to study or the university location – it’s also about picking a place that will define your life experience for years to come. It can be overwhelming, especially during these tough times. So how do you decide what to do next? Here are a few suggestions:

Talk To Your Peers and Professionals

Sometimes, an outsider such as your peers at home might have some good insight. Many of your professors and university course counsellors are also experts at determining a student’s potential. The familiarity with their students during class enables them to understand how their students perform during class, assignments and even exams. Talking to your professors and course counsellors about your prospects would be good for determining a good university programme that fits your skill set.

Think About Your Major

Even with the aid of others, you must also consider whether or not your programme will help your own career plan. Sometimes, you’ve got to understand the benefits you’ll get from picking the programme of your choice. Are you willing to embrace your creative or technical sides, or both? Are you able to think outside the box and come up with ways to expand your knowledge? Check out the degree modules you’ll be studying over the next 3 years – do the topics excite you? Speak to the lecturers if you want to find out more about the topics you will learn.

Consider Your Finances and Funding

So you want to do a degree programme, it can be pretty costly. Services like PTPTN can offer financial help for the programme of your choice, or you may even be eligible for a scholarship. If your parents or guardians can’t foot the bill, then you should consider other funding sources that can aid you in your journey. Talk to the support services at university to find out what you’re eligible for.

Consider a Programme that is Recognised Globally

Not all degree programmes are created equally so students must do their research. Is the programme they’re interested in accredited, will it be accepted by potential employers? IUMW programmes are recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, and Dual Award programmes are also recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the body that checks on standards and quality in UK higher education. Many come with additional recognition from professional bodies such as the Chartered Management Institute and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.  So don’t just jump in head-first without doing your research.

Your peers may have expectations or opinions about what is best for you. Consider other people’s ideas, but remember that what you do after foundation is your decision. Keep in mind that most people have several jobs and switch career fields many times over their working life, so for you, this is just the beginning!

Discover your options by speaking to our expert Course Counsellors HERE!